Immediate Openings Now Available

Job Summary

REVISED: 3/30/22

Purdue University’s award-winning grounds department is all about growing and we are seeking talented individuals for Groundskeeper positions to perform collection duties on the West Lafayette, IN campus. The grounds staff is responsible for maintaining the iconic appearance of the West Lafayette campus; including landscape and turf maintenance, pest control, refuse and recycling collection, street operations, and snow removal.

How You Will Contribute:

• Perform grounds maintenance duties including grounds cleanliness, shrub pruning, turf fertilization and mowing, landscape equipment operation, pesticide application and landscape renovation around several campus buildings. Maintain campus lawns by irrigating, mowing, edging, hand trimming, fertilizing, using weed control methods, and performing other grounds duties as assigned.
• Prepare areas for seed or sod, lay sod, and sow seed.
• Operate riding mowers, carts, rototillers, lawn sweepers, and aerators as needed.
• Maintain campus trees and shrubs by planting, pruning, watering, spraying, weeding, and cleaning shrub plantings. Plant, maintain, trim, and prune hedges.
• Prepare flowerbeds for growing annuals and bulbs.
• Maintain appropriate recordkeeping and minor equipment operation/maintenance.

DON’T HAVE A CLASS 3A OR 3B PESTICIDE APPLICATOR’S LICENSE? GET PAID TO EARN IT!

• Study in paid status
• 100% paid license with multiple opportunities to pass
• Promotional process increase potential
• On-campus assignments
• Purdue offers fulltime employment with bi-weekly pay
• Steady hours with overtime and Work/Life Balance

What You Bring:

• High school diploma/GED
• Three years' basic grounds maintenance functions of mowing/trimming, mulching, shrub pruning, pesticide application, and grounds cleanliness
• Demonstrated basic and intermediate skills in landscape maintenance
• Landscape equipment operation and maintenance i.e., truck, utility cart, etc.
• Ability to read, write and speak English
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisor and co-workers
• Will read pesticide labels and mix per label
• Ability to keep records
• Ability to perform basic mathematics
• Good work organization and problem-solving ability
• Ability to lift and carry 25 to 50 lbs. frequently, and up to 60 lbs. occasionally
• Works outdoors, at times in temperatures below 32 degrees and above 90 degrees
• Personal protective equipment will be required during specific work duties as determined by the department
• A valid US or Canadian driver’s license

What Is Helpful:

• Class 3A or 3B Pesticide Applicator’s License

We Want You To Know:

• Purdue will not sponsor an employment authorization for this position
• This posting represents multiple positions
• A Background Check will be required for employment in this position
• The hours for this position are Monday through Friday; 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Occasional overtime may be required
• This position is subject to 24-hour callback
• Work overtime for special events and campus snow removal
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply

What you'll get in return:

All university employees are afforded a generous benefits package, https://www.purdue.edu/hr/benewell/index.php, including medical/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions. As part of Purdue University’s expansive employee benefit package, the University is proud to offer its employees the opportunity to grow, learn, and advance by offering a tuition remission opportunity at both Purdue University and Purdue Global.

Take your next Giant Leap

We never stop, we keep going, because Discovery is in our DNA, and we want you to discover a Career at Purdue University! Come work alongside a family of diverse culture with faculty, students, and staff who come together to become one, Boilermakers! Our greatest adventures are yet to come, and they include you.

Come take your Next Giant Leap and Discover your next career!